Books About Summer Vacation · 90 titles considered

The Best Summer Vacation Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Summer Books, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about summer vacation? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#21 in Series

#3 in Series

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Summer Vacation

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

By Gillian McDunn

A summer trip reveals family secrets and tests sibling bonds.

320 pages· 55,933 words· Est. 8 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,578 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Cat, the glue of her family, faces a summer of unexpected challenges when a trip goes awry, leaving her and her brother Chicken with grandparents they've never met. As Cat navigates this new world, she discovers the power of healing and understanding in strained relationships. Can she find a way to be a kid again while holding her family together? This heartfelt journey explores the depths of family bonds and the courage to embrace change.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

The Penderwicks

By Jeanne Birdsall · Book #1 in the The Penderwicks series

Four sisters' summer adventures clash with a snobbish mother's disapproval.

262 pages· 52,813 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 66,275 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: The Penderwick sisters embark on a summer holiday at the enchanting Arundel estate. Amidst gardens and hidden treasures, they befriend Jeffrey, the owner's son. But his mother, Mrs. Tifton, disapproves of their lively escapades. Can the sisters navigate her icy demeanor and make this a summer to remember? Discover the magic and mischief that unfold in this charming tale of friendship and adventure.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2006

Fablehaven

By Brandon Mull · Book #1 in the Fablehaven series

A hidden refuge of magical creatures faces chaos when ancient rules are broken, unleashing dark forces.

351 pages· 71,896 words· Est. 10 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 181,356 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Kendra and Seth discover their grandfather's secret role as caretaker of Fablehaven, a sanctuary for mystical creatures. When Seth's curiosity disrupts the fragile peace, malevolent forces are unleashed. Now, the siblings must confront their deepest fears to protect their family and the magical refuge. Can they restore order before it's too late?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2016

As Brave As You

By Jason Reynolds

Two brothers' quest for bravery unravels secrets and challenges their beliefs.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2017)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2017)Schneider Family Book Award (2017)

410 pages· 76,056 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 8,528 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Genie and Ernie's summer in Virginia with their blind grandfather reveals unexpected truths. As Genie questions Grandpop's hidden fears and Ernie's reluctance to shoot a gun, they confront what true bravery means. Is it about proving oneself or understanding personal limits? Discover the secrets of a mysterious room and the courage to face one's own fears in this compelling tale of growth and discovery.

Sale price

$750

Chapter Book · 1997

Five Are Together Again

By Enid Blyton · Book #21 in the The Famous Five series

A scientist's research papers vanish. Can the Five uncover the thief?

180 pages· 37,527 words

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,806 ratings

$7.89Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Camping near a scientist's home, the Famous Five stumble upon a mystery when crucial research papers disappear. Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy must unravel the clues to find the thief. With secrets lurking and time running out, can they solve the case before it's too late?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2020

Max and Marla Are Going on a Trip

By Alexandra Boiger · Book #4 in the Max and Marla series

Max's quest for the perfect photo risks missing the true beauty of their adventure.

32 pages· 477 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 101 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Max and Marla embark on a summer trip to Australia, eager to capture every moment with Max's camera. As Max focuses on finding the perfect shot, he misses the wonders around him. Marla steps in, reminding him that the best memories come from being present. Will Max learn to appreciate the journey beyond the lens? Join them in this heartwarming tale of friendship and living in the moment.

Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

Ghosts of Belle Isle

By Steven K. Smith · Book #3 in the The Virginia Mysteries series

Ghostly lights reveal secrets on Belle Isle. Are the Civil War spirits still fighting?

194 pages· 34,692 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 528 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Brothers Sam and Derek, along with their friend Caitlin, are drawn to Belle Isle by eerie lights rumored to be Civil War ghosts. As they explore the island's dark history, they uncover a mysterious mural and face threats from bullies and a Confederate biker gang. With danger lurking, they must unravel the truth behind the spectral legends. Will they discover that some ghosts are more real than they imagined? Join their thrilling adventure through secret hideouts and historic sites, where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

A Dolphin Wish

By Natalie Grant · Book #1 in the Faithgirlz / Glimmer Girls series

Can the sisters solve the mystery of escaping animals at Watery World?

208 pages· 35,870 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 156 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twins Mia and Maddie, with their sister LuLu, are in San Diego for a break. But when animals start escaping at Watery World, the girls can't resist the mystery. With their quirky nanny Miss Twist, they dive into an adventure to uncover who or what is behind the chaos. Will they solve the puzzle before it's too late?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2008

Mr. Sunny Is Funny!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the My Weird School Daze series

A boy navigates the challenges of summer vacation with his friends and a pesky classmate.

112 pages· 7,818 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,999 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: A.J. is ready for a relaxing summer vacation, but chaos ensues when Andrea's family rents the beach house next door. With quirky lifeguard Mr. Sunny unable to keep things normal, A.J. faces a summer full of unexpected adventures and hilarious mishaps. Can A.J. survive this weird summer, or will Andrea's presence turn his vacation into a complete disaster? Dive into the fun and find out how A.J. navigates this unpredictable holiday by the sea.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 5–9 · 2012

Captain Awesome Takes a Dive

By Stan Kirby · Captain Awesome series

A young superhero must protect his swimming class from quirky villains.

128 pages· 5,230 words· Est. 59 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 274 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Eugene McGillicudy, aka Captain Awesome, faces a splashy summer challenge at the Sunnyview pool. With his trusty sidekick Nacho Cheese Man and Turbo, he must thwart a band of comical 'bad guys' threatening his swimming class. But can he conquer his own fear of diving into the deep end before summer's end? Dive into this fun-filled adventure where heroics meet hilarity, and every swim lesson is a chance for Captain Awesome to save the day. Will Eugene's courage rise to the surface, or will the deep end remain unconquered?

The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club

Browse by age

Summer Vacation Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about summer vacation for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Series

Sale price

$999

Arthur's Family Vacation

Ages 4–8 · 1993

Rain ruins vacation plans, but Arthur finds unexpected fun in Gatorville.

Series

Sale price

$599

Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble

Ages 4–8 · 1987

Spring brings puddle adventures and new surprises for a boy and his dog.

Series

Sale price

$1299

Aspiring Artist

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Nancy's spring break turns artistic with glitter markers and fancy creations.

Series

Sale price

$999

The Bears' Vacation

Ages 3–7 · 1968

A father teaches his son about safety rules during their summer vacation at the beach.

Sale price

$899

Bigmama's

Ages 4–8 · 1991

A train ride to Florida sparks a summer of family memories and childhood adventures.

Series

Sale price

$599

Henry and Mudge and the Forever Sea

Ages 5–7 · 1989

A boy and his dog spend a day at the beach with his father.

Series

Sale price

$599

The Night Before Summer Vacation

Ages 4–8 · 2002

A family packs for vacation, but something crucial is forgotten.

Sale price

$799

The Lost Lake

Ages 4–8 · 1989

A father and son seek a hidden lake, escaping the tourist crowds.

Series

Sale price

$1899

How to Code a Sandcastle

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young girl tries to build a sandcastle with the help of her robot on the last day of summer vacation.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Summer Treasure

Ages 4–6 · 2012

A first-grader discovers her teacher's life beyond school during a beach adventure.

Sale price

$1999

Grumpy Grandpa

Ages 4–8 · 2009

Can Jack uncover the secret behind his grandpa's grumpiness?

#12 in Series

Sale price

$699

Henry Heckelbeck and the High-Dive Dare

Ages 5–9 · 2023

Three friends spend a hot summer day at a new pool trying to cool off and overcome fears

View all summer vacation picture books

Browse by age

Summer Vacation Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about summer vacation for developing and independent readers.

#12 in Series

Sale price

$699

Amelia Bedelia Digs In

Ages 6–10 · 2018

A young girl named Amelia Bedelia spends her summer at the beach with her family and friends, where she discovers a mysterious treasure chest and learns about the history of pirates.

#9 in Series

Sale price

$599

The Philly Fake

Ages 7–9 · 2014

A young boy and his cousin investigate a series of mysterious broken bats at a Philadelphia Phillies game, leading them to uncover a surprising plot.

#7 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2499

Boy-Crazy Stacey (Graphic Novel)

Ages 8–11 · 2019

A young girl spends her summer at the beach with her friends and family, learning valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and first love.

Series

Sale price

$599

Wedding Flowers

Ages 7–9 · 2003

Cousins plan a wedding surprise amidst Cobble Street's bustle.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$899

The Penderwicks at Last

Ages 8–11 · 2018

A family's summer vacation at a grand estate becomes a backdrop for romance, self-discovery, and family secrets.

#4 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Dog Days

Ages 8–12 · 2009

Indoor-loving Greg faces a summer clash with his mom's outdoor plans. Who will win?

Series

Sale price

$799

Gone Crazy in Alabama

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Sisters uncover family secrets in Alabama, testing the strength of their bonds when tragedy strikes.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Sunny Side Up

Ages 8–11 · 2015

A young girl spends the summer with her grandfather in a retirement community in Florida, learning about life and herself through various adventures and misadventures